Post-Draft Outlook:BEST PICK: The Texans like OLB Brian Cushing because he was a four-year starter at Southern California who became a team leader and plays with the kind of intensity and energy they want on defense. He'll play on the strong side. He's tough against the run but fast enough to learn to cover. A closer look at the Texans' picks: Round 1/15 -- Brian Cushing, OLB, 6-3, 243, Southern Cal...The Texans liked the USC linebackers -- Cushing and Clay Matthews -- and when the 15th pick arrived, both were still available. Cushing was the target of defensive coordinator Frank Bush since the college season ended. Bush says Cushing will compete with Zac Diles for the starting job on the strong side. He has the versatility to line up even on the edge and rush. The Texans love his athleticism and work ethic, and he is expected to make an instant impact. - by The Sports Xchange

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Draft Scout Brian Cushing News

12/11/17 - LB Brian Cushing made an emotional return Sunday and was effective at an unfamiliar position. \
Although Cushing recorded five tackles and a half-sack and was a team captain in his first game back after serving a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy.

11/30/17 - LB Brian Cushing was in the Texans' locker room Wednesday, one day after being reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell following a 10-game suspension for violating the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy.
Cushing isn't on the active roster as the Texans were granted a one-week roster exemption while they evaluate his conditioning and what they want to do with their personnel. He's not expected to be activated until next week.
"We talked for a while," Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said. "We're going to really condition this week to look at where he's at in that respect. He's been working out obviously, but football conditioning, see where he's at. It's great to have him back in the building and he's happy to be back and kind of take it from there."
Cushing didn't speak with reporters Wednesday. His teammates have welcomed him back into the building.
"It's unbelievable to have him back," said inside linebacker Benardrick McKinney, the Texans' leading tackler. "He brings a lot of energy to the locker room, playing and joking. It's a lot of fun to have him back.
"I don't know what's going to happen. He brings a lot of energy, another leader, makes a lot of tackles."

11/22/17 - LB Brian Cushing's 10-game suspension for violating the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy ends next Tuesday. The Texans could have Cushing back in the building, but also have him remain under an NFL roster exemption while they gauge what they want to do with him and their other personnel.

09/15/17 - LB Brian Cushing was suspended 10 games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, the league announced Wednesday. It was Cushing's second career suspension for drug use.

09/11/17 - LB Brian Cushing suffered a concussion during Sunday's season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.